Geno Smith has a starting quarterback job to hold onto, but also a new offense to learn and competition from a veteran already well-versed in the system.
Among the Jets’ many offseason additions is Ryan Fitzpatrick, a 32-year old entering his 11th NFL season, a player with extensive experience in the system to be installed by Chan Gailey, the Jets’ new offensive coordinator. Smith has plenty to overcome as he attempts to convince Gailey and first-year head coach Todd Bowles he is the right man for the job.
“Well, Ryan does know the system and he definitely is going to be a guy who can help all of us,’’ Smith said Monday on a conference call as the Jets gathered on the first day of their offseason workout program. “If anyone has a question he’s definitely open to answering and giving advice. He has been in the system and he has obviously played under Chan Gailey, so as of right now we’re all studying this thing together and I know Ryan … may have a better of understanding of some things, but he’s always willing to help and that’s very fortunate for all of us.’’
Smith’s two seasons operating Marty Mornhinweg’s West Coast offense produced some good, some bad and some ugly and now Smith must master the spread offense Gailey has used at his various NFL stops. Smith said he spent part of his offseason in California throwing to second-year Jets receivers Shaq Evans and Quincy Enunwa, and he also revealed he sought the advice of Tom House, the former major league pitcher who has become a guru to many top quarterbacks, including Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Carson Palmer.
House specializes in throwing mechanics.
“I had the opportunity to work with him and was very pleased getting in the work we were able to do and the progress we made,’’ said Smith, who added he “worked extremely hard on improving my mechanics’’ but stressed “I didn’t change anything, it’s not a thing where I needed to change anything. It was basically just going there to work out and get better.’’
Even with Smith and Fitzpatrick, the Jets — with the No. 6 overall pick in the NFL draft — could be in play for Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.
“Whoever we draft is going to obviously be someone who is going to help out this team,’’ Smith said. “I look forward to seeing all the guys we do draft because I think this team is only going to continue to grow. When those days come about we’ll see what happens and we’ll go from there.’’
Bowles, the former Cardinals defensive coordinator, spoke to the Jets for the first time as a head coach as the team gathered for the opening of its offseason workout program.
“He’s got a great passion, really excited about being the head coach, his vision for the team,’’ center Nick Mangold said.
Defensive end Sheldon Richardson set a lofty goal on the first day of workouts.
“We strongly feel like we’re going to be the top defense in the league — and top team in the league, not just defense,” Richardson told the Jets’ website.Receiver Jeremy Kerley on the new offense: “I had a chance to kind of play around in the offense when I was in the Senior Bowl. We were running the Bills offense. It’s something different, but different can be good if you utilize it the right way.’’
Mangold on Rex Ryan, now the Bills head coach: “Obviously happy for Rex. I hope that he does well, but not that well.’’